Proposals for change of use reform prompts concern as to quality

Government proposals to enable light industrial and warehouse buildings to be converted into residential use without planning permission may lead to low-quality housing in unsuitable areas, warns POS.

Planning magazine highlights the recent POS response to the Tehnical Planning Consultation which says plans to allow "blanket permissions for units of this size" to change from warehouses and light industrial to residential uses are "entirely inappropriate."

The response also says "If this were to go ahead the prior approvals would result in low-quality residential being provided in an industrial area. This would be a bad neighbour to the industrial uses and result in complaints between residents and functioning businesses."